Up next is a trip to take on champions elect Chelsea at Stamford Bridge so we had a chat with Blues fan Danny Moir to find out more about their season so far.
Q. Let us kick off with asking why you support Chelsea and what is your favourite memory in your time supporting the club?
I was born in London and lived in the Camden area to Scottish parents, so I only really got pushed into a Scottish team. My best friend going through those early years at school supported Chelsea so I got taken along to a game in 1995, against Aston Villa at the Bridge. It finished 1-0 to the Blues and my favourite player at that time, Mark Stein, was the goal scorer.
Q. It’s been a pretty good season for the Blues hasn’t it?
It has been a great season so far. I don’t think anyone thought at the start of the season that we would be the ones racing clear in the title race and credit for that has to go to Antonio Conte for galvanising the club from the disappointments of last season.
Q. Perhaps you could share your views on the win for Chelsea at Selhurst Park earlier in the season?
The game at Selhurst was a match I felt we dominated. Defensively solid and created a number of chances at the other end. Diego Costa scored the vital goal and I think your goalkeeper will feel he could have done better but it was another hard game, as every game is in the Premier League these days.
Q. What is your opinion of Antonio Conte in what is his first season in English football?
Conte has been a revelation hasn’t he? All the talk before the season started was on Jose Mourinho going to Manchester United and Pep Guardiola to Manchester City. I did my homework on Conte though and was really excited about him coming in, and he’s been brilliant so far.
Q. How do you feel the club did in the January transfer window and were all needs addressed?
The January transfer window was an unsettling time for us, with all the talk on Costa potentially leaving. I’m glad he stayed as he’s been vital for us this year. We said goodbye to Branislav Ivanovic, Jon Obi Mikel and Oscar, and I believe it was the right time for these players to go. The fee for Oscar was an unbelievable bit of business but that’s what the football clubs in China are willing to pay these days.
Q. If you had the power to make one change to the game of football, what would it be and why?
Using video technology for the big decisions. It works well in rugby, and I think it would help referees out a lot. How it gets integrated into the game is a different matter but it is definitely something that should be looked at.
Q. Is the gap between the Premier League and the Championship growing wider with the latest increase in money now available in the top division?
Yes, it is growing wider. You only have to look at some of the transfer fees to see that Premier League clubs are all benefitting from the increased money the division gets. The Championship is growing as well though, and that’s good for the English game in general.
Q. What is your view on Palace both as a club and how the season has panned out so far?
My thoughts on Palace have taken a tumble since this little friendly thing you have going on with Dundee! My allegiance in Scotland lies with the team across the road from them!
Joking aside, I think Palace are in a good place. Firmly cemented in the Premier League, and looking up. This season hasn’t been such an easy ride but Big Sam has come in and now it looks like you have turned the corner and have had some good wins recently, particularly winning at West Bromwich Albion who have been quite strong this year. I expect a really hard game on Saturday.
Q. Name one player from each team that the opposition should be concerned about.
For Palace, Wilfried Zaha is the main man in my opinion. He has a bag of tricks and can be a match winner for you guys. Eden Hazard is obviously a stand out for us, but I don’t think he will play. I expect Cesc Fabregas to start, with us being at home and he will run the game from midfield and feed the forward line with chances.
Q. Your prediction ahead of the game at Stamford Bridge?
Like I said before, I do think every game in the Premier League is tough and with you guys in such a good run of form, it could make for an interesting game. However, we are the home team and I expect a 2-0 win for the Blues.
